Sergei Kharitonov vs. Andrei Arlovski

Pride veteran Sergei Kharitonov(17-4) will face former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski(15-8) in the 1st round of Strikeforce’s HW tournament at Strikeforce 31.

16th ranked Sergei Kharitonov will walk into the Strikeforce tournament as a virtual unknown. He will likely make a huge impression on fans once he is done with Arlovski. Sergei has been inactive on the MMA scene, flirting with a career in K-1 that has not turned out as he probably envisioned.

Arlovski(ranked 21st), contrary to Kharitonov, comes into this fight with a ton of fan recognition due to his UFC career. It’s a perfect bit of matchmaking by Strikeforce to gain Kharitonov instant notoriety. Arlovski has lost his last 3 fights and has lacked the confidence to let his hands go, which basically makes him a sitting target for his opponents.

Arlovski has struggled his entire career against elite strikers, and though Kharitonov’s best years are likely behind him, he still packs a punch that is too powerful for Arlovski’s fragile chin. This one should end quickly and destructively.